How to create password-protected Notes with Touch ID in iOS 9.3

Posted:
in iPhone edited March 2016
The ability to password-protect items in Notes is one of the key features of iOS 9.3. It may not be immediately obvious how to go about doing this, but ultimately, the process is a simple one.




The first step is simply to create or select a regular, unsecured note in the app, since notes can only be secured after the fact.

Once this is done, tap the Share icon in the upper-right corner of the screen -- it should be in roughly the same place regardless of whether you're using an iPhone or an iPad. This is where the "Lock Note" option is hidden, alongside other choices like Copy and Print.




Selecting it brings up a panel asking you to create a password and retype it to verify. For the best security, avoid reusing an existing password, and make the new one either a phrase or a complex assortment of characters. Optionally you can enter a hint in case you forget, and/or use Touch ID to make logins faster.




At this point, a note's contents will still be visible to anyone able to unlock your device. Protection only takes effect once you tap the padlock icon, again in the upper-right corner.







Finally, the note is secure. To see inside, you'll have to tap "View Note" or the padlock icon, and either enter your password or use Touch ID.

iOS 9.3 was released on Monday, and added several other features, such as a Night Shift mode, more 3D Touch commands, and a Classroom app for teachers.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    rs0212rs0212 Posts: 25member
    So, will this encrypt the message that's stored on your eMail server, or will it only be protected on that iPhone?  Or is protection limited to iCloud notes only?
  • Reply 2 of 7
    rcfarcfa Posts: 1,124member
    If you can only secure after the fact, then if the communications to the server are compromised someone can intercept the message as it's written.
    So best write nonsense, enable encryption, then edit the note to add the actual contents...
  • Reply 3 of 7
    Or just follow Apple's existing documentation on how to do this:
    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205794
    douglas bailey[Deleted User]
  • Reply 4 of 7
    maclvr03maclvr03 Posts: 198member
    Surprised Apple just doesn't do this on Photo's as well, heck why stop there, touch ID for e-mail while we're at it.
  • Reply 5 of 7
    nolamacguynolamacguy Posts: 4,758member
    rcfa said:
    If you can only secure after the fact, then if the communications to the server are compromised someone can intercept the message as it's written.
    So best write nonsense, enable encryption, then edit the note to add the actual contents...
    not an issue for local notes.
  • Reply 6 of 7
    Notice that even though the note is locked anyone can see what you have typed on the first line.  The first line is the Note title which is obviously not secure.
  • Reply 7 of 7
    maclvr03maclvr03 Posts: 198member
    FLKitty said:
    Notice that even though the note is locked anyone can see what you have typed on the first line.  The first line is the Note title which is obviously not secure.
    I wondered the same thing.
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